The inlets and ponds in this area can be great for a variety of winter birds including ducks, loons, gulls and maybe alcids. The "north shore" between Point Pleasant Beach and Belmar can make for great winter birding. We'll search the inlets, ponds, and oceanfront for a variety of ducks, loons, gulls, and more. In some years Razorbills or other rarer alcids may be present, and the tour can be good for "white-winged" gulls.  Meet at the east end of Broadway in Point Pleasant Beach. Bring binoculars, spotting scope if you have one, and lunch. Dress warmly. This trip requires little walking. Led by Scott Barnes and Linda Mack. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $20 Members, $25 Non-members REGISTER HERE

Early spring migration at “the hook.” If the winds are right, we could have a good flight of hawks, swallows, and other migrants. The wide variety of habitats here ensures a good diversity of bird species from herons and egrets to shorebirds, hawks, and songbirds. Be prepared for a fair amount of walking over flat and sometimes sandy terrain.  Led by Scott Barnes and Linda Mack. Location: Meet at Parking Lot B, about halfway down the lot by the restrooms. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $20 Members, $25 Non-members REGISTER HERE

Winter birding at one of the state's best hotspots. Expect good numbers of ducks, geese, and swans, plus eagles and other raptors. This can be an excellent time of year at “Brig,” when eagles and other raptors are in evidence, plus large numbers of geese and ducks. We may also find sparrows and other songbirds along the dikes and keep our eyes out for secretive marsh birds like American Bittern and rails. Bring lunch and weather appropriate clothing. Led by Mike Mandracchia and Hank Burk. Meeting location: 800 Great Creek Rd, Galloway NJ 08205. Forsythe NWR at main lot by headquarters, near the bathrooms. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $20 Members, $25 Non-members REGISTER HERE

Early spring birding for loons, grebes, gulls, & migrants. If winds are right, we could have a modest hawk flight. Raritan Bay Waterfront Park has long been known as a concentration point for Bonaparte's Gulls in spring. If we're lucky a Little Gull or Black-headed Gull could be among them. The bay usually hosts a variety of waterbirds in early spring and some landbird migrants could be around. Once you enter the park, go north and park at the end of the lot close to the bay. Be prepared for easy walking for 3 hours. Restrooms on site. Led by Scott Barnes and Hank Burk. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $15 Members, $20 Non-members REGISTER HERE

Early spring migration at “the hook.” If the winds are right, we could have a good flight of hawks, swallows, and other migrants. The wide variety of habitats here ensures a good diversity of bird species from herons and egrets to shorebirds, hawks, and songbirds. Be prepared for a fair amount of walking over flat and sometimes sandy terrain.  Led by Linda Mack, Carole Hughes, and Chris Daly. Location: Meet at Parking Lot B, about halfway down the lot by the restrooms. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $20 Members, $25 Non-members REGISTER HERE

Early spring birding for loons, grebes, gulls, & migrants. If winds are right, we could have a modest hawk flight. Raritan Bay Waterfront Park has long been known as a concentration point for Bonaparte's Gulls in spring. If we're lucky a Little Gull or Black-headed Gull could be among them. The bay usually hosts a variety of waterbirds in early spring and some landbird migrants could be around. Once you enter the park, go north and park at the end of the lot close to the bay. Be prepared for easy walking for 3 hours. Restrooms on site. Led by Scott Barnes and Hank Burk. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $15 Members, $20 Non-members REGISTER HERE

Spring migration at the hook; we may see a wide range of species from wading birds to raptors to songbirds at this regional hotspot. The wide variety of habitats here ensures a good diversity of bird species from herons and egrets to shorebirds, hawks, and songbirds. Be prepared for a fair amount of walking over flat and sometimes sandy terrain.  Led by Scott Barnes and Linda Mack. Location: Meet at Parking Lot B, about halfway down the lot by the restrooms. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $20 Members, $25 Non-members REGISTER HERE

Spring migration at the hook; we may see a wide range of species from wading birds to raptors to songbirds at this regional hotspot. The wide variety of habitats here ensures a good diversity of bird species from herons and egrets to shorebirds, hawks, and songbirds. Be prepared for a fair amount of walking over flat and sometimes sandy terrain.  Led by Scott Barnes and Linda Mack. Location: Meet at Parking Lot B, about halfway down the lot by the restrooms. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $20 Members, $25 Non-members REGISTER HERE

Late waterfowl and other wetland birds. We'll look for returning breeding species and songbird migrants as well. Great Swamp NWR has extensive freshwater wetlands and woodlands where a variety of waterfowl and other waterbirds may be seen. We’ll also search for returning songbird breeding species and migrants. Expect some walking over flat terrain for short distances. Led by Carole Hughes and Chris Daly. Location: Meets at the Helen C Fenske Visitor Center PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $20 Members, $25 Non-members REGISTER HERE

Spring migration at the hook; we may see a wide range of species from wading birds to raptors to songbirds at this regional hotspot. The wide variety of habitats here ensures a good diversity of bird species from herons and egrets to shorebirds, hawks, and songbirds. Be prepared for a fair amount of walking over flat and sometimes sandy terrain. Bring lunch. Led by Linda Mack, Jason Denesevich, Chris and Paula Williams. Location: Meet at Parking Lot B, about halfway down the lot by the restrooms. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $20 Members, $25 Non-members REGISTER HERE